Read a full match report of the Amlin Challenge Cup clash between London Welsh
and Stade Français at Kassam Stadium on Saturday Oct 13, 2012.

London Welsh’s opening European escapade turned sour as they crumbled to a crushing defeat.

Their French rivals crossed for nine tries, with former Argentine international Felipe Contepomi earning 25 points. It was a demoralising experience for the Premiership new boys who had entered the Amlin Cup Pool 5 clash with high hopes of proving they deserve to be mixing it with the bigger clubs. “It’s verging on embarrassment,” conceded Lyn Jones, the Welsh head coach. “It was a healthy rugby lesson from a very efficient Stade side.”

Tries from Bonfils and Bonneval began the rout early on before centre Nayacalevu joined the act with his own quick brace. Only Gavin Henson’s boot keeping Welsh hopes alive. Sadly, those hopes did not survive long.

Despite prop Greg Bateman’s try, Welsh trailed 32-19 at the break and the hosts managed just a single Henson second half penalty, whereas their rivals easily ran in a series of tries.

Henson struck a penalty from inside his own half but that was of little cheer to the small crowd as wave after wave of pink shirts poured forward and the home defence were merely washed away. It seemed every time Stade chose to show what they can do with ball in hand, it finished with a try and more misery for Welsh.Wing Francis Fainifo, Bonfils and lock Juan Cruz Guillemain continued to try-feast with one each as Contepomi’s kicking boots began to look a little worn.